









Austria: The Danube
Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(30 verified reviews)
The route from Passau, on Germany’s eastern border, to Vienna is one of the most
popular cycle paths in Europe, and it’s no wonder! This stretch of the Danube carves
its way through a thousand years of history; 60 dramatic castles and palaces lie
along the river and the ever-changing landscape is a kaleidoscope of fertile plains,
narrow gorges, lowland forests, bird-rich marshland and acres of picturesque vines.
KTM, Custom Made or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier and handlebar bag.
Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.


Arrive at your riverfront hotel and then enjoy dinner in the heart of the old town tonight.
You stay at Hotel Residenz

Passau
The Hotel Residenz is on the waterfront in Passau facing the Danube River. The Hotel is a renovated merchant’s house and is over 400 years old, although today you would never guess as it has been decorated in an attractive contemporary style, while keeping some original features like the barrel vaulted ceilings and tile floors.
There is a guest lounge and library for relaxing in as well as an outdoor breakfast terrace, from where you can watch the Danube passenger boats come and go by the dock below you.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Pedal east into Austria and Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery and an excellent pit stop for traditional coffee and cake! Follow the River Danube past lush hillsides cloaked with oak woods to the Schlogener Loop, where a short ferry ride across the river takes you to your 4* hotel. Relax in the pool before dinner on the terrace watching passenger boats, sparkling with fairy lights, cruise past.
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You stay at Hotel Donauschlinge

Schlogen-Haibach
The Hotel Donauschlinge and the Gugler Family have cornered the market on this stretch of the River Danube and have become a favourite pit stop on the way between Passau and Vienna for almost every cyclist making the trip.
The Schlogen meander bend is a famous landmark on the river and this attractive waterfront hotel is perched right on the corner with wonderful panoramic views, especially from the hotel’s terrace.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Spot kingfishers in the Donauschlinge Nature Reserve and stop to enjoy the views at the picnic tables that dot the river before you reach Aschach’s pretty waterfront. Continue through reed marshes to the market town of Ottensheim, overlooked by its striking 12th century castle. There’s the option to shorten the ride here by hopping on the train, or continue your ride to the historic Upper Austrian capital of Linz, with its wide choice of cosy pubs and eateries.
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You stay at Hotel Wolfinger

Linz
In the centre of Linz’s spectacular town square the Wolfinger Hotel blends in perfectly. From the outside it looks like a townhouse with its grand facade and historical charm. Inside the design is very curious.
The building used to be a convent in the old days, and it has now been tastefully converted into a cosy and quirky city centre hotel. The public rooms include a lounge and reception area where you can access the internet, and a lovely breakfast room overlooking the Hauptplatz outside. There decor is equally as grand, with antique furniture, carved chairs and cabinets overhung by chandeliers.
The bedrooms are decorated in the same style, although some rooms have been given a more modern feel with smart new wooden flooring and Persian style rugs. All have phones, satellite TV and hairdryers.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

The route leads you away from the Danube to 12th Century Enns, Austria’s oldest city, before returning to the Danube and an onward ride to the beautiful little village of Ardagger.
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You stay at Landgasthof Winter

Ardagger
Located opposite the Stift Ardagger monastery, the 4-star Landgasthof Winter dates back to the 13th century. This traditional country house has been carefully restored and comes with all the comforts you’d expect from a 4* hotel as well as 2 sunny terraces. The hotel also boasts a cosy restaurant, with brothers Pauli and Matthias cooking up classic local dishes.

Explore the small baroque town of Grein, home to the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still in use today, before cycling through the fertile Danube Valley. The hilltop twin towers of Maria Taferl church soon appear above the Danube, and then Melk’s Benedictine monastery looms high before you as you pedal towards your welcoming family hotel in Melk.
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You stay at Hotel Zur Post

Melk
Offering captivating views of Melk Abbey, the four-star Hotel Zur Post stands proudly in the center of Melk. This charming hotel provides a sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free bike rentals for guests to explore the scenic surroundings. Delight your taste buds with seasonal Austrian dishes made from local produce at the hotel’s restaurant, where traditional flavours are given a modern twist, showcasing the essence of the Wachau region. The hotel also features a wine cellar with an impressive collection and an ice cream parlour. With a focus on individual needs and a warm family atmosphere. Free parking adds to the convenience of your stay, making it a perfect base for your adventures in Melk.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Melk’s massive Benedictine monastery was rebuilt in 1683, and the interior abbey is as breathtaking as the countryside views from the rooftop terrace. For a day trip, cycle to Schloss Schallaburg (8km return), one of the finest Renaissance castles north of the Alps, where you can stroll in the magnificent rose gardens and enjoy acclaimed cultural exhibitions.
You stay at Hotel Zur Post

Melk
Offering captivating views of Melk Abbey, the four-star Hotel Zur Post stands proudly in the center of Melk. This charming hotel provides a sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free bike rentals for guests to explore the scenic surroundings. Delight your taste buds with seasonal Austrian dishes made from local produce at the hotel’s restaurant, where traditional flavours are given a modern twist, showcasing the essence of the Wachau region. The hotel also features a wine cellar with an impressive collection and an ice cream parlour. With a focus on individual needs and a warm family atmosphere. Free parking adds to the convenience of your stay, making it a perfect base for your adventures in Melk.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Today you coast along the UNESCO Wachau Valley, a necklace of villages and vineyards, anchored by pretty churches along the north bank. Each is charming, especially Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom in the craggy hilltop castle. Admire the statuette, Venus of Willendorf, dating back to 23,000BC, before arriving in Krems for a splash in the pool and dinner on the terrace overlooking the valley.
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You stay at The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Krems
The Steigenberger in Krems is a real treat. Once you have negotiated the short, steep hill up to the front door you really can relax.
Apart from the many bedrooms, the hotel has one of the most luxurious spa facilities we have ever seen, with both an outdoor and an indoor pool.
The dining room is gorgeous, spilling out onto a panoramic terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards and over the spires of the old city of Krems.
Bedrooms are modern and beautifully presented with lots of wood and high quality fabrics so everything feels very luxurious.
Please note that twin rooms are not available at this hotel.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Krems has one of the most beautiful historic centres in Europe and is renowned as the capital of wine. Discover its wine museum, quirky caricature museum and its 13th century abbey that exhibits contemporary art. You can cycle out to Schloss Grafenegg (14km away), a gargoyle-encrusted Gothic castle set in 85 acres of parkland, or just relax in the fabulous hotel spa and pool.
You stay at The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Krems
The Steigenberger in Krems is a real treat. Once you have negotiated the short, steep hill up to the front door you really can relax.
Apart from the many bedrooms, the hotel has one of the most luxurious spa facilities we have ever seen, with both an outdoor and an indoor pool.
The dining room is gorgeous, spilling out onto a panoramic terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards and over the spires of the old city of Krems.
Bedrooms are modern and beautifully presented with lots of wood and high quality fabrics so everything feels very luxurious.
Please note that twin rooms are not available at this hotel.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Freewheel down river to Tulln, known as the ‘Town of Flowers’. Pop into the Roman museum, which is packed with artefacts, and dine out tonight amid the fountains, statues and ornate buildings that crowd the pretty centre.
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You stay at Hotel Nibelungenhof

Tulln
The pretty riverfront town of Tulln is your last stop before you reach Vienna. Originally a Roman settlement, the waterfront has been preserved as a series of attractive parks and gardens; the two storey hotel is slightly set back from the riverside.
Inside it is attractively decorated in a homely style, with the reception and lounge area decorated with a full wall of books either side of a central fireplace, with comfortable sofas to relax on.
The bedrooms are all individually decorated; most have wooden floors, repro antiques, satellite TV and hairdryers.
The hotel is just a short walk from the centre of Tulln, where there are several grand churches, museums and restaurants to explore.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

It’s peaceful cycling today along the verdant northern banks of the Danube to Vienna, where you are greeted with gorgeous views of the city skyline. Time to explore Vienna’s lively centre, fascinating museum quarter and iconic opera house, which is breathtakingly floodlit at night!
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You stay at Hotel Austria Classic

Vienna
Overlooking the beautiful tree lined Praterstrasse, the Hotel Austria Classic has been welcoming guests since 1838; in keeping with its rich history, photos of old Vienna are displayed through the hotel. The famous Austrian composer, Max Steiner – whose work includes the music to the film ‘Casablanca’ – was actually born here! Today the hotel offers facilities including sauna, fitness room and bar, whilst there is a choice of restaurants a short walk from the hotel.

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12 yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.

Munich
The Hotel Opera is situated in the Lehel district of Munich, the area has a village feel to it, but is just a 15 minute walk to the main centre of Munich and a 20 minute walk to the Englischer Garten, Munich’s huge leafy park.
The hotel has a wonderful Romanesque facade, and the building itself dates back to the 19th century, damaged in the war the building was bought in 1968 by the present owners who took 8 years to painstakingly restore and renovate the building.
Today’s hotel is a nice mix of modern and old, with lovely airy rooms and and a relaxing tranquil garden patio. Rooms have all mod cons and some come with balconies, the hotel also owns a couple of superb restaurants close by.
Breakfast is served at your table with a choice of cold meats and cheeses or croissants and fruit and the option to order freshly cooked eggs.
Please call for prices and details
9.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more